• These trees have the potential to absorb 15 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year from the atmosphere.
• The county’s reduction in fuel consumption averted the release of 196 metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, nearly equal to the amount of carbon dioxide released globally every second.
• Oakland County’s strategic sustainability goal is to reach net zero carbon emissions for county operations by 2050.

Pontiac, Mich. – In Celebration of April as Earth Month, Oakland County is once again demonstrating its commitment to environmental stewardship with the planting of about 700 trees across its government campus. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, these trees will each remove an average of 48 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually once mature or an estimated 15 metric tons of carbon dioxide a year.

In addition to the tree planting, the county continues to make significant strides in reducing emissions from its fleet operations. Despite an increase in fleet size and total miles traveled in 2024, Oakland County’s investment in higher fuel-efficiency vehicles helped save more than 22,000 gallons of gas. This reduction averted the release of 196 metric tons of carbon dioxide, equivalent to removing approximately 46 gasoline-powered vehicles from the road for an entire year.

“This kind of progress underscores our commitment to sustainable practices,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “From our growing canopy of trees to smart fleet management, we’re taking action today to build a healthier, more resilient environment for our children and future generations.”

Building on last year’s momentum, when the county planted 500 trees and saved 123,000 gallons of fuel, Oakland County has now planted 1,200 trees since launching the initiative and averted the release of more than 2.8 million pounds of carbon dioxide in just two years. The initiative is a major step toward achieving the county’s goal of planting 2,027 trees by 2027 and reaching net zero emissions from operations by 2050.

“Our goal is to continually implement best practices that reduce operational emissions and resource consumption while creating a campus that is accessible, safe and enjoyable for all,” said Julie Lyons Bricker, Oakland County’s sustainability manager.

This third year of tree planting began in late April and includes a diverse mix of native evergreen, deciduous shade and flowering trees throughout the campus. Several new apple trees will be added to the orchard near the Oakland County Farmers Market. All trees are planted using the International Society of Arboriculture guidelines to ensure healthy root growth and long-term vitality.

“Proper planting techniques are essential to ensure that the trees thrive,” said Mark Baldwin, chief of landscape services. “Healthy trees purify our air, cool our surroundings and increase biodiversity which is a smart investment for generations to come.”

In addition to fleet and landscaping improvements, new landscaping around the Executive Office Building is now completely herbicide- and pesticide-free, further promoting a sustainable and biodiverse environment.

The county’s fleet of more than 900 vehicles accounts for about 16 percent of its greenhouse gas emissions. To address this, Oakland County has introduced 12 electric vehicles and three hybrids, replaces vehicles every six years – well ahead of the national average – and implements rigorous maintenance practices like regular wheel alignments to improve fuel efficiency.

Oakland County buildings, which span nearly 2 million square feet, contribute to 76 percent of operational greenhouse gas emissions. A collaboration between Facilities Management and the Office of Sustainability is driving improvements in energy efficiency, building decarbonization and renewable energy installation.
Oakland County’s environmental sustainability initiatives reflect a long-term commitment to innovation, climate resilience, and the well-being of residents and employees alike.

For more information about Oakland County’s sustainability initiatives, visit oakgov.com/community/sustainability.

• More than 1,000 Oakland County residents have already reduced their student debt through the Savi partnership, with a projected $20 million in lifetime savings.
• Collections on defaulted federal student loans are scheduled to resume on May 5, 2025. Oakland County residents in this situation are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the Savi platform now, while free access is available.
• Free access to Savi’s student debt relief services is available to all residents and county employees through Sept. 30, 2025 at OakGov.com/Savi.

Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County’s partnership with Savi is already delivering powerful results. More than 1,000 residents have had their student debt reduced, with a projected $20 million in lifetime savings on their college loans.

These early outcomes underscore the success of the Oakland County Student Debt Relief Initiative, the first county-wide program of its kind in the nation.

“These results are just the beginning,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “We’re proving that local government can make a real, measurable difference in people’s lives by reducing the financial burden of student loan debt.”

“This is exactly the incredible impact we envisioned when we launched this program,” said Board Chair David T. Woodward (D-Royal Oak). “We’re lowering costs, helping people reduce or eliminate student debt, and together making our local economy stronger.”

After a five-year hiatus during the COVID pandemic, collections on defaulted federal student loans are scheduled to resume on May 5, 2025. Oakland County residents in this situation are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the Savi platform now, while free access is available, to get the help they need before collections begin.

Oakland County’s student debt relief initiative was launched in July 2024 through a collaboration of County Executive Dave Coulter’s administration and the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. The goal is to help residents navigate student loan repayment options and access federal forgiveness programs, all with the support of Savi’s expert tools and personal assistance.

“Savi ended up being a godsend for me,” said Jackie Vermilya, an immunization program specialist in Oakland County Health Division who is a Savi user. “The Savi program helped me so much with the paperwork to take advantage of the Public Loan Forgiveness Program and I was able to get $174,000 forgiven. A huge weight was taken off my shoulders and I will forever be grateful for the help I received from Savi.”

Residents and Oakland County employees can still register for free one-year access to Savi’s services through Sept. 30, 2025 by visiting OakGov.com/Savi.

Through its platform, Savi helps users discover the most effective loan repayment plans, apply for forgiveness programs and navigate the complexities of federal student loan policy. To date, Savi has identified more than $3 billion in potential loan forgiveness nationwide, with average savings exceeding $25,000 per borrower.

• VTM Michigan 2025, hosted by Oakland County in partnership with MEDC and advanced business events (abe), will bring global automotive and mobility leaders to Pontiac on April 23–24 for two days of B2B meetings, expert panels and exhibitions on future transportation technologies.
• Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter will open the event, highlighting the region’s leadership in mobility innovation, alongside a keynote from Michigan Chief Mobility Officer Justine Johnson and panels on electrification, hydrogen, AI, cybersecurity and more.
• With participation from international companies and organizations, VTM Michigan offers unparalleled networking and collaboration opportunities for startups, Tier 1 suppliers, OEMs and researchers shaping the future of mobility.

Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County, in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and international organizer advanced business events (abe), is set to welcome the world’s automotive and mobility leaders to the second edition of VTM Michigan, an international business-to-business (B2B) mobility technology forum taking place April 23 – 24 at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac.

This two-day event will bring together key decision-makers, engineers, innovators and visionaries from across the globe to collaborate on the technologies shaping the future of transportation – from electric and hydrogen propulsion to AI, autonomous systems, vehicle connectivity and mobility infrastructure.

“Oakland County and the State of Michigan are on the front lines of mobility innovation,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter, who will open the event with welcome remarks. “VTM Michigan is a platform to showcase our deep automotive legacy and growing leadership in next-gen transportation technologies to a global audience.”

Following the success of its 2023 debut, which attracted 320 attendees from more than 10 countries, VTM Michigan 2025 promises an even more robust experience with:
• Expert-led technical presentations
• Targeted B2B matchmaking
• Exhibitions of cutting-edge mobility solutions
• Global participants representing Austria, Germany, South Korea, Sweden, the UK, the U.S. and more

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with startups, Tier 1 suppliers, major OEMs, academic experts and government leaders on the most pressing challenges and exciting innovations in the mobility space.

Agenda highlights include welcome remarks by County Executive Coulter, a keynote from Michigan Chief Mobility Officer Justine Johnson, and panel discussions on Building a Robust Regional Mobility Ecosystem, Vehicle Electrification Market Outlook, IoT & Vehicle Connectivity, AI in Intelligent Mobility, Cybersecurity in Automotive Innovation and the Future of Automotive Jobs & Skills featuring representatives from GM, UAW and Oakland County Michigan Works!

“VTM Michigan provides an unmatched opportunity to collaborate, explore solutions and drive real change,” said Dom Holmes, director of Oakland County Economic Development. “The road to the future of mobility begins in Oakland County.”